Hi Bruce,
I almost bought a Honda 4 stroke 9.9 for my boat. Probably a very
reliable engine, but I felt the gear ratio was too low for a sailboat.
As you have read in the previous responses, people have suggested over-
coming this deficiency by replacing the propellor with a lower pitch.
I don't think this is a good approach. The Hondas are designed to push
planing motorboats, for which they do an excellent job.

Sherwin

Bruce wrote:

I wish to thank everyone for this excellent thread. I should have mentioned
that all of my sailing will be on small lakes and ponds (that's all we have
in Vermont except for that other "Great Lake"). I could probably even get
by with a good sized electric except for the one time when I might get
caught in a good blow 4 miles from the boat ramp. I guess my first choice
is a Honda because I used to sell them and know the quality. The 4 stroke
is a must for me just because of the noise and smoke, not to mention
pollution of the 2 strokes.
Thanks again everyone. Nice to have a group where we can get good honest
answers without being beat over the head by the "experts".
Pleasant sailing all.
Bruce
"Sherwin Dubren" wrote in message
...
Hi again Bruce,
Just some general observations on the replies to this posting. People
seem
concerned about low cost alternatives, which is fine if you are doing
day sailing
or out on small lakes. However, if you plan to be on any large lakes or
oceans for
any extended cruising, don't cut corners on a good engine. Don't forget
that you
life may depend on it, and that's worth a lot of money. It's true
sailboats have
more options than power boats, but it helps to have a strong dependable
engine
to get you out of the tougher situations. I would recommend a long
shaft, and
in addition, I would recommend a more flexible motor mount that would
allow you
to raise and lower the engine while on the water. If your boat is light
weight
and you plan to do day sailing on small lakes, the 5 hp would certainly
push
your boat fine. Otherwise, I would be looking in the 7 to 10 hp range,
depending
on the type of engine (you could get by with 7 in a four stroke). Also,
go for
the higher gear ratio, if you can find it.

Sherwin

Bruce wrote:

I need to buy an outboard for my San Juan 21 and not quite sure about
how
big to go. I would like a 4 stroke and I am thinking that about 5 HP
would
be a good size. Any comments about the different brands would be
appreciated.
Also, do I really need a "long shaft" motor. With the motor mount
currently
on the boat, it seems to me that any motor would easily bury the prop.

Regards,
Bruce